Ta HG & 2 Uro said no treatment. Is it correct?

Hi 95Jill12,

Thanks for asking, my dad is scheduled to see Dr. Bochner at Memorial Sloan in NY on the 24th. I wasn't sure if i had to look for an oncologist or surgeon, but i know he is in good hands. Right now i am going crazy looking for insurance / financial assistance to cover the 20% that Medicaid won't, and in case he goes to a treatment.

Btw, my dad has Medicaid but valid in FL only, since he's potential treatment will be in NY, what other options there will be?

If anyone has an input, will be appreciated!

Thank you,

Best wishes to everyone.

If you are in new York you now have one of the best bladder cancer drs. out there. Look up Dr Mark Schoenberg . He just moved up there after 20 years at John Hopkins.
He was my Dr. and I wish I could get to New York to keep him. He truly is one of the top if not the top Dr in bladder cancer, and also a very nice guy ! Rocky

I agree with everyone that in general high grade tumors, even if non-invasive, get BCG treatment. Is there something about your father's case that would make him "not a candidate" for BCG? Every patient has their own clinical picture. If you think he can receive BCG with no contraindications, definitely get the opinion of someone who treats many patients with the condition. Just curious, how old is your father?

Hi Alan,

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

I had hard time to understand the pathology as well, not sure if muscle was taken and examined, both doctors didn’t explain more clearly, and actually “downplayed” his diagnostic. I would like to have a second test run on his biopsy, someone recommended sending it to Hopkins pathology, but I am waiting to see if I can get him a 3rd opinion at Sloan.

I never heard of Shands hospital in FL, does anyone knows? I know there is a Mayo clinic in Jacksonville.

The challenge is that someone will have to accompanying him, so that’s why I thought that will be best if he comes up here in NY. It will be a lot for me to deal with here, but I hope all will be fine, with the grace of God.

I’ll just have to deal with billing later! Btw, anyone with experience in dealing with 20% copay not covered by Medicare?

Thank you so much!

Hi Sara,

Thank you for your response. Yes, it says High Grade on his biopsy. Below is an extract of pathology.

I trying to convince my dad to have a 3rd opinion. He is in Miramar, FL (between Miami & Fort Lauderdale) I was stunned to learn that NCI cancer center are only in North FL, i have to think if is possible to bring him to NY where I am and take him to Sloan.

Thank you,
Helena


Bladder, Transurethal resection
- PAPILLARY UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA HIGH GRADE
Papillary Urothelial carcinoma high grade

- No definite invasion identified
- Muscularis proproa not present

No definite invasion identified
Muscularis propria not present

Procedure: TURBT (Transurethral resection of Bladder Tumor)
Tumor type: Noninvasive carcinoma
Histologic type: Urothelial carcinoma
Histologic grade: High grade
Tumor extension: Noninvasive papilary carcinoma

Adverse Histologic findings:
Urothelial carcinoma in situ (flat CIS) Absent
Lymph vascular invation (LVI) Not identified
Associated Epithelial lesions: Non identified